PCMA LETTER: Having ‘the Talk’

Every June, Men’s Health Month, is emphasized across the country with screenings, health fairs, and educational events. These efforts are to help ensure that every male, from boyhood to retirement years, is enlightened about some of the health issues that men are most at risk to succumb to in their lifetime. Unique to this edition over previous years of the Men’s Health edition, however, is the health discussion itself.

You can’t begin to find out what ails you— or if you have an increased risk for a chronic disease— unless you talk about it with your doctor. So the story for this edition provides the unique perspective from both the male patient and the male physician’s point of view on the importance of having “the talk” (or many, repetitious talks) about your male health.

In addition to this theme, June is National Safety Month, so you’ll also be able to gain valuable insight on how to protect yourself and your family from dangers around the home and the water. With a high senior population and so much access to water (either via pool, lake or beach), the statistics for accidental falls and tragedies in the water are— unfortunately— very high for the state of Florida, so please take the time to find out more about these important prevention topics.

With Father’s Day right around the corner, and with the summer season almost in full swing— which no doubt will feature a lot of cooking outdoors— don’t forget to brush up on your food safety. We all love a good cookout or picnic, but leaving food outside in the heat for too long can increase the risk for foodborne illnesses. The United States Department of Agriculture Meat and Poultry Hotline advises consumers to “never leave food out of refrigeration over two hours. If the temperature is above 90° F, food should not be left out more than one hour.” For more information about food safety, go to the USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service web page on “how temperatures affect food.” You can also find this page by scanning the QR code here with your smartphone or tablet.

As always, the physicians of the Polk County Medical Association are here to help you live a safe and healthy life, so we hope you enjoy this special edition of Central Florida Health News magazine.